2 Corinthians 8:5 And , not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
There are millions around the world (many right here in our own country and area) who need to hear about Jesus. Thankfully there are thousands of missionaries to carry the gospel to them.
Many times missionaries can not be added to the field because there are not enough funds to send them.
There are other needs that must be met and they are met by the people in the pew who are willing to make sacrifices. It might surprise you to know that many people don't realize why the church needs to take offerings. They do not realize that the church has the same types of bills as anyone else. Besides the salaries of the pastor and staff there are things like building payments, utilities, insurance, educational materials, maintenance and upkeep and , well you get the idea.
I have always been humbled by the fact that my living came from those who were willing to sacrifice and give to the Lord. Just like Paul, they first gave themselves to the Lord and then gave to me by the will of the Lord. (It makes you want to make sure you are a good steward over what they do give you.)
One of the lessons I learned as a pastor was that I never needed to ask the people for anything. All I had to do was ask Him and He dealt with the hearts of the people and so far I have not had a need that has not been met. Praise God and I thank Him for His followers who were willing to give themselves to Him first.
Many times missionaries can not be added to the field because there are not enough funds to send them.
There are other needs that must be met and they are met by the people in the pew who are willing to make sacrifices. It might surprise you to know that many people don't realize why the church needs to take offerings. They do not realize that the church has the same types of bills as anyone else. Besides the salaries of the pastor and staff there are things like building payments, utilities, insurance, educational materials, maintenance and upkeep and , well you get the idea.
I have always been humbled by the fact that my living came from those who were willing to sacrifice and give to the Lord. Just like Paul, they first gave themselves to the Lord and then gave to me by the will of the Lord. (It makes you want to make sure you are a good steward over what they do give you.)
One of the lessons I learned as a pastor was that I never needed to ask the people for anything. All I had to do was ask Him and He dealt with the hearts of the people and so far I have not had a need that has not been met. Praise God and I thank Him for His followers who were willing to give themselves to Him first.
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